#34: Paul "The Waiter" Ricca (Part One)

In this episode, the first of a two-part series, we discuss the life and times of Paul "The Waiter" Ricca, who was born Felice De Lucia in Apricena, Italy in 1898.

Paul Ricca was one of the most powerful underworld figures in the history of Cosa Nostra in this country, his career spanning from the Capone Era into the 1970's. For over 30 years, Ricca co-ran The Chicago Outfit with his friend and contemporary, Anthony "Tony" Accardo.

In Part One, we cover:

(1) De Lucia's birth in Apricena, Italy in 1898 and the mystery surrounding both his real birthdate as well as the true names of his parents

(2) De Lucia's involvement and conviction of multiple murders in Italy as part of an ongoing family feud, and his immigration to the United States in 1920 (while still a fugitive in Italy)

(3) His original connections with key underworld players including Joseph "Diamond Joe" Esposito and Johnny "The Fox" Torrio, which led to his arrival in Chicago in the early 1920's

(4) His introduction to major Chicago underworld figures including Frank Nitti and Al Capone as a manager at the Bella Napoli Restaurant (where he got his nickname)

(5) His admission to the Al Capone organization and his subsequent rise through the ranks

(6) His ascension to leadership of The Chicago Outfit after Capone was convicted of tax evasion in 1931

(7) Ricca's many arrests in the early 1930's with famous national syndicate figures including Meyer Lansky and Charles "Lucky" Luciano

(8) Ricca's involvement in labor racketeering and his extortion of local Chicago unions

(9) The infamous 1943 Hollywood Extortion trial, which led to Ricca's first major conviction and prison time

(10) Ricca and The Outfit's possible involvement in the Frank Nitti suicide

I hope you enjoy this episode!